DaimlerChrysler Has Recalled Minivans

(SafetyAlerts)
- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group announced a recall Wednesday of
about half a million minivans and an extended warranty on 1.3 million more
because of a problem in the steering wheel.

The recall covers some 1996-1998 models of Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan,
Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country.

The recall will close a 20-month government investigation into a problem
with the clockspring, which provides power to some parts in the steering
wheel.

Chrysler is reported to have said that the clockspring may have been installed off-center during
assembly at plants in St. Louis and Windsor, Ontario. If this occurs, the
air bag warning lamp will illuminate and the driver's air bag, horn or
cruise control may stop working.

One hundred sixty-four people complained about the problem, including two
people who said they were injured when their air bag did not deploy during a
crash.

Chrysler spokeswoman Angela Spencer Ford said one of the accidents was not
related to the problem. In the other case, she said the air bag warning
light had indicated a problem for months, but the driver ignored it.

Angela Spencer
Ford said the problem is most likely to occur when the van has 25,000-30,000
miles, but the recall will cover all vehicles with up to 70,000 miles.
Another 1.3 million vehicles will receive a lifetime clockspring warranty.

Chrysler said it will send letters to owners of recalled vehicles this
month. The automaker says if the air bag warning light remains on for more
than a few seconds after the van is started, it should be taken to a dealer
for inspection.

NHTSA
CAMPAIGN ID Number: 02V293000.

Important Note
Regarding Auto RecallsFrequently SafetyAlerts will list
auto recalls before
your dealer will know about them. If you have a vehicle
affected by one of these posted recalls be sure and
write down the NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number.
If your dealer doesn't know about therecall when you
check, ask them how they arenotified of recalls and
when the next update is due.

Did you know?During 2001 there were over1575 products recalled in the United
States for safety reasons!

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, however, the Company has not independently verified or confirmed the information and the recipient acknowledges that no representations or warranties are being made in connection with the use of the information.